Rising dengue cases a serious concern - Health Ministry

The Health Ministry views seriously the rising number of dengue fever cases and is taking preventive measures.

Its deputy minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said to date, 44,000 dengue fever cases had been reported nationwide with Selangor having the highest number at 25,000 cases.

"In Selangor, it is difficult to check on many houses occupied by students which are believed to be aedes mosquito breeding grounds," he told reporters after an 'Op Bazar Ramadan', here,on Thursday.

Present were state Health deputy director (Food Safety and Quality), Ku Nafishah Ku Ariffin, and Southwest district health officer, Dr Mohd Iqbal Hamzah.

Meanwhile, Dr Hilmi said the level of cleanliness at the Penang Ramadan bazaars was generally satisfactory, with 719 premises inspected by the state Health Department.

He also said that 476 food handlers were given the anti-typhoid vaccine injection.